747 thai airways

Thai Airways International announces moves to reduce expenses and increase revenues, to tackle its massive outstanding debt of 100 billion baht. (File photo) Loss-ridden Thai Airways International has announced steps to cut expenditure and increase revenue, in a bid to tackle its accumulated debt of 100 billion baht.THAI president Sumeth Damrongchaitham said on Tuesday intense competition had affected all airlines’ operating results, and was coupled with recurring issues they were trying to rectify. In the 11 months he had been in the job, "there was never a day without a problem", he said. The national airline had been hit by external crises such as the strong baht, US-China trade war, sluggish global economic and the closure of Pakistani airspace. As a result, tourists numbers declined and customer purchasing power reduced, in addition to delayed engine repairs by the manufacturer. Management recently brainstormed ideas to establish guidelines to … [Read more...] about Ailing Thai Airways moves to cut costs, increase revenue

Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob has given the green light to loss-making Thai Airways International Plc to purchase and lease 38 new aircraft. (Bangkok Post photo) Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob has given the green light to loss-making Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) to purchase and lease 38 new aircraft for an estimated 136 billion baht, despite objections from the workers' union.He said the aircraft acquisition will definitely go ahead because it is a necessary investment, adding an assessment would be conducted to ensure the new planes boost the national carrier's competitiveness. The acquisition is opposed by THAI's workers' union, which fears the project will add further strain to a company facing accumulated debt of more than 100 billion baht. Despite the crippling debt, Mr Saksayam said THAI must invest because the existing fleet is ageing, describing it as a bold move that the national carrier has to make to survive. He said THAI is also being … [Read more...] about Thai Airways gets all clear to boost fleet

Thai Airways International seeks more business partners to boost passenger numbers and add value for travellers. (Bangkok Post photo) Thai Airways International (THAI) is seeking more business partners to boost passenger numbers and add value for travellers.Siriphong Mangkalee, director of the Asean sales department, said the carrier on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hilton hotels. The MoU enables both international and domestic travellers showing THAI boarding passes on all routes to enjoy a discount for dining and spas at Hilton hotels in Thailand, including Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok, DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit, Millennium Hilton Bangkok and Conrad Koh Samui. The offer is good through the end of this year. Heidi Kleine-Moeller, general manager of Millennium Hilton Bangkok, said Thailand is one of the most important markets for Hilton. "This partnership is the first step in our long-term cooperation to enhance the tourism experience for both … [Read more...] about Thai Airways inks discount deal with Hilton

MANILA -- Thailand's flag carrier is looking to launch direct flights between Cebu and Bangkok later this year, as it expands its operations in the Philippines, a representative said Saturday. Polapat Neelabhamorn, Thai Airways general manager for Philippines and Guam, said the company plans to "increase frequency in the Philippines," especially in Manila, citing the rapid rise of Filipino travelers to Thailand annually. Thailand is seeing an uptick in Filipino travelers visiting the country for leisure, mostly spending on dining and shopping. The Tourism Authority of Thailand reported some 430,000 Filipinos traveled to Thailand in 2018, a 12-percent jump from 2017. But Neelabhamorn admitted that they are facing some challenges in adding more flights at the Philippine capital's already congested airport. Currently, Thai Airways has two daily flights between Bangkok and Manila. One full aircraft could carry about 400 passengers daily or 12,000 monthly. "We plan to have Cebu. We're … [Read more...] about Thai Airways eyes Cebu-Bangkok flights before end-2019

Deputy Transport Minister Thaworn Senneam has expressed confidence that Thai Airways International will be able to stage a turnaround within three years. (Bangkok Post photo) Deputy Transport Minister Thaworn Senneam has expressed confidence that loss-ridden Thai Airways International (THAI) will be able to stage a turnaround and start making profits within three years.The national carrier is undergoing a rehabilitation plan, including cutting back on internal expenses and boosting digital marketing, he said after a meeting with THAI and Thai Smile Airways executives on Thursday. THAI president Sumeth Damrongchaitham said staff are gathering additional information on the airline's plan to buy or lease 38 new aircraft, estimated to cost 130 billion baht, before sending the details to the cabinet for approval. He believes the rehabilitation plan will pay off and THAI will start to make a profit within three to five years. The rehabilitation plan is aimed at addressing its … [Read more...] about Thaworn ‘confident’ in Thai Airways’ rehab plan